When you think of ‘journaling’ is your first thought of a teenage girl twirling her hair and writing about her high school crush? This is not an uncommon thought. However, many people are completely unaware of the benefits it provides for your mental and physical well- being. Research has shown that reflective writing on meaningful topics significantly improves physical and emotional well-being and that the benefits appear to require translating experiences into language.
What is Effective Journaling?
Effective journaling is a writing practice that aids in improving your quality of life and achieving your goals. Effective journaling can be beneficial for several reasons, it can help you identify unhealthy patterns, clear your head from overwhelming thoughts and help you from repeating the same mistake – as you reflect on your behaviour.
The Effect on the Brain
The positive thing about journaling is not just about processing your thoughts, as this can be done just by thinking – it’s the act of writing. Writing activates the left hemisphere of the brain which is analytical and rational. By writing, your left hemisphere becomes occupied allowing your right hemisphere to be set free to; feel, create and be intuitive. Through this, writing removes mental blocks and allows us to use more brain power to understand ourselves and the people in our life.
Benefits:
Some health benefits of journaling are it; strengthens immune cells called T-lymphocytes, has been shown to drop blood pressure, improves sleep quality, helps reduce depression and anxiety and increases positive mood, social engagement, and quality of close relationships. If you are just beginning counselling such as CBT it is helpful to journal along side this. Writing will help you identify when, where and how often you experience for example; panic attacks. It can also help you track your progress and get to know yourself on a deeper level.
